CLU professor retiring

The professor who started the Communication Department at California Lutheran University is retiring.

Beverly Kelley, who also writes a bi-weekly column for The Star's opinion page, will retire after 35 years with the Thousand Oaks university.

Kelley came to CLU in 1977 and founded the Communication Department, now the largest major on campus, in 1981. She was named CLU Professor of the Year in 1987.

Kelley also helped launch KCLU, the National Public Radio station on campus. This year, she helped start a student-run Internet station, iCLU.

In addition, Kelley was CLU's director of forensics from 1977 to 1984. She was named National Debate Coach of the Year in 1983, when the junior and senior debate teams won the New England Regional competition.